Morning Notes

O’Malley Could Have Active 2013 — After seeing three major bills he backed approved by referendum in last month’s election, Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) could use that political capital to try for a state gas tax increase. Montgomery County officials last week went to Annapolis to plead for a gas tax hike to help fund the Purple Line. [The Gazette]

Wisconsin Avenue Steakhouse Closes? — Divino, the Argentine steakhouse that opened at 7345 Wisconsin Ave. 10 years ago, appears to be closed. The owner of a restaurant next door saw a dishwasher removed. [Bethesda Magazine]

Metro Escalator, Elevator Fixers Trained At Special Lab — Training to repair the oft-broken escalators at the Bethesda Metro station and yet-to-be reopened elevator happens at the group’s special lab. [Washington Post]